School Board Candidates Agree Politics Should Be Subdued Election '85

November 01, 1985|by DAN PEARSON, The Morning Call

Allentown voters going to the polls Tuesday will find a choice offive candidates seeking four seats on the Allentown School Board.

Although their opinions on district programs and policies differ, the candidates agree on one point: Board personalities and politics must be subordinated to the primary responsibility of educating children.

Internal politics, not a hot election contest, is the main reason why the voters are bound to display some interest in who is elected to the 1986 nine- member board. Infighting, maneuvering and mounting tension over the past few months have resulted in Dr. William Peters resigning unexpectedly from the outgoing board and Superintendent William H. Stoutenburgh reluctantly announcing his retirement, which is effective in June.

Peters, 56, an English professor at Kutztown University, is on the Republican ballot in Tuesday's election despite his recent resignation. District Solicitor William G. Malkames noted that Peters' candidacy is legal because he resigned from a board that's going out of office in December.

A board member for three years when he resigned, Peters is the only incumbent seeking re-election. Others whose terms expire in December, and who have not chosen to run again, are Carol Bloch, Richard Miller and Charles Nehf.

The candidate who will appear Tuesday on the Democratic ballot only is Norman Ziegler, 40, a partner in the R.A.N. Holding Co., which owns the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market. The remaining three candidates, all of whom will appear on both party ballots, are Thomas Ruhe, 41, a layout operator of AT&T Technologies; Dr. James Hirsh, 35, dean of continuing education at Muhlenberg College; and Dr. Willard Clewell, who retired in June as chairman of Allen High School's chemistry department.

All five of the candidates were cross-filed in the primary election. Incumbent board members whose terms are still in force are Ronald Skinner, president; Alton W. Frey Jr., Michael Combs, Annabelle Creveling and Dr. Carol Richards. The election is bound to change the power structure of the board.

Peters concedes that his recent resignation may have confused many district residents about the seriousness of his candidacy. "But I would feel like a traitor if I were elected on Tuesday and did not agree to serve. If the people of Allentown say at the ballot box that they want me back, that will be reason enough," said Peters.

Noting his faith in ASD's administrative team, Peters said that his main aim would be "bringing the board together to get more things accomplished." While he has not participated in candidates' nights and has not campaigned actively, Peters left no doubt that he will accept re-election.

Ziegler, who has said the school board needs at least one experienced businessman to analyze its finances, said the biggest need of the board is to "Get back on track, head in the right direction and restore harmony among the directors." He added, "The board's first priority is to determine whether there's a security problem at Allen and Dieruff high schools. If there is, something should be done about it."

Since he's not yet a board member, Ziegler said, it would have been presumptuous to go to the high school principals and collect information on security questions pertaining to students, teachers and administrators. "But," said the businessman, "if elected, I would personally visit all of the schools to observe conditions generally."

Ruhe, hoping that he will be among the new directors taking their seats in December, said of the 1986 board, "There has to be less internal turmoil and directors must try not to be political in their decisions. When it comes to educationand the future of our students, the directors have to work together and put their petty gripes aside."

He added, 'What's needed most is board unity. Members must vote for, or against, issues solely on their merits. Allentown is the state's third-largest school district in a second-class city. If elected, I would devote my time and energy to making ASD first in the state in educational excellence and athletic achievement."

Hirsh, who moved to Allentown partly so his children could attend ASD schools, commented, "My main concern has been the effects of board dissension on the schools, their students and teachers. The impact of recent events only could have been negative. In view of the morale of administrators and faculty members, it's certainly going to be difficult to attract top-quality candidates for the position of superintendent."

Hirsh continued, "Some of the best-qualified educators who would normally be attracted by the upcoming vacancy might shy away because of the internal strife. I'm sure that what went on here is known in this state and neighboring states."

The college dean said another concern is that the school board formulate a fair and workable policy on the AIDS problem that will protect the rights of all students. He remarked, "It is better that we deal rationally with it now rather than face it in a crisis situation."

Clewell, a veteran teacher of chemistry and mathematics, said the reorganized school board will bear heavy responsibilities. "I would like to see the directors concentrate on educational matters, and I hope they will have a friendly, harmonious and almost family relationship." Among the board's high priorities, he noted, will be the search for a new superintendent.

"He is the key man in the system. If we have to search on a national basis, all right. But let's not overlook local talent."

On other issues, Clewell said new policies on discipline and attendance have merit but could be strengthened. He also said that "the new grading system (in the secondary schools) has produced some inequities and needs work."